Footwear

Hiking shoes, trail running shoes or light boots are best. Brands such as Merrell, KEEN, New Balance, Lowa, Vasque, Asolo, among others, are good brands.

Heavy, rugged boots with lug soles are not recommended. The trend is towards light weight footwear.

Choose between low cut or mid-cut shoes. Low cut shoes are lighter and cooler. Mid-cut shoes have more ankle support and are better in mud and snow.

Tennis shoes should be just fine for your first few hikes if the hikes are easy or moderate and the trails are dry. Look at what shoes and boots other hikers are wearing.

Waterproof footwear isn’t always better especially in warm or hot weather. Waterproof footwear traps heat and mositure leading to blisers.

 

Clothing

Choose synthetic fabrics over cotton. Cotton retains moisture and does not insulate when wet.

Dress in layers. You can add or remove layers as weather conditions dictate. Remove layers as you get hot. Add layers as you get cold.

Blue jeans, even though they are cotton, are fine for your first hike or two. Jeans should not be worn in wet weather.

Once again look at what other hikers are wearing.

 

Q. Do Hikes Start On Time?

A. Yes. The starting time for a posted hike is the time when boots start moving. This is not the time you should be pulling into the parking lot. Arrive early and allow plenty of time for changing clothes, putting on boots, packing gear and for a restroom break.

 

Q. Do Some Hikes Have Limits On The Number Of Participants?

A. Yes. Some hike organizers put a limit on the on the number of participants. Respect the limit. Hike organizers put a limit on their hikes to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time. Don’t show up without being on the “going” list.

 

Q. Is There A Waiting List For Filled Up Hikes?

A. Yes, most of the time. Some hikes which are full may have a waiting list. Join the waiting list if you really want to attend the hike. If someone drops out you will be added to the “going” list. Or the hike organizer might increase the trip limit to let everyone on the waiting list go.

 

Q. Can I Bring A Friend?

A. Yes, most of the time. Most hike organizers allow you to bring a guest. If you bring a friend please indicate +1 in your RSVP. If you are unable to add a +1 this means you can’t bring a guest. Hike organizers who do not allow guests have valid reasons for doing so.

 

Q. Can I Bring Children?

A. Yes, in general, children are welcome and encouraged to attend our hikes. Bring them! Some hikes are a fast pace and/or are a long distance that may not be suitable for children especially younger ones. If you are in doubt please contact the hike organizer.

 

Q. Can I Bring A Pet?

A. Check with the hike organizer first. Some hikes are a fast pace and/or are a long distance that may not be suitable for pets especially older ones. Some parks in our area do not allow dogs. If you bring a dog it must be on a leash. Clean up after your dog.

 

Q. What If I Want To Attend A Hike But Don’t Like Something About It?

A. The hikes are offered as “take it or leave it”. If you do not agree with the limit, mileage, route, pace, time, guest restrictions, etc., please don’t post this in the comments. Send your suggestions in a note to the hike organizer but remember that the hike organizer always has the final say.

 

Q. What Should I Do After The Hike?

• If you enjoyed the hike say “thank you” to the hike organizer.

• Please rate the hike and include comments. Hike organizers like to read your comments.

• Upload any photos you took so other can enjoy them.

 

Q. I Signed Up For A Hike And Didn’t Show Up.

A. The group waited for you to arrive and finally gave up. The hike organizer marked you as a “no show”. The group organizer monitors people with excessive no shows and limits their ability to participate in future events.

 

Q. What Else Should I Know?

• Before departing for the hike re-read the event description and the comments for any updates especially on weather and trail conditions. Things can change from the time the hike is posted to the time the hike starts.

• You may wish to carpool to the trailhead. You carpool at your own risk.

• Show up with the required equipment. The description will list any required equipment.

• Make new friends, chit-chat with others and be social. But remember some people hike to relax, unwind and experience nature. Don’t assume constant talking is interesting or welcome to others.

• Mute your phone. Nobody likes hearing your ringtone or notification dings. If you must use your cell phone keep the volume down on your phone and your voice.

• Have fun!

 

Q. What Is Leave No Trace?

A. The Leave No Trace principles help you minimize your impact to our local parks. It’s more than just not littering. Please read about them and help minimize your impact to our trails and parks. https://lnt.org/teach/outdoor-ethics-frontcountry

 

Important Information:

The hike organizer can remove anyone from their hike for any reason. Period. This includes removing anyone from the hike before it begins, at the trailhead or during the hike. We have a very low tolerance for people who cannot obey this rule.

Hike organizers are volunteers. They don’t get paid. They spend their own time, energy and money to take you hiking. Please respect them and please say thank you. Don’t be a knucklehead. Don’t make their job difficult.

 

Remember:

Nobody in Dayton Hikers get paid.

Nothing gets done in Dayton Hikers unless a volunteer does it.

Nothing gets paid for in Dayton Hikers unless someone donates.

Many people are under the impression that Meetup.com is free but it is not. The Organizer pays to run this group. If you enjoy the Dayton Hikers group please consider leading a hike, making a donation or helping out in some way.